Canister filter- rena/fluval/ ehiem? - Equipment

B76 · 05-24-2012, 12:25 PM

I have had xp2 and xp3 and loved them but to be honest would like to explore other brands, if its even worth leaving my beloved Renas haha. first off like i said im looking to buy a new canister, was going to build a sump but don't have to time or energy for another year or so. I would ike to describe why i like the xp and maybe someone can tell me if ill have the same freedom with other brands of canisters. the xp series has the baskets that i usually add floss or body scrubbers to aid in mechanical and biological filtration. is this the best bet? or should i try some other brands? i like the look of fluval and people seem to like them but PEOPLE LOVE EHEIM? why? i am in need to devils advocates before i drop 100-200 on a filter also i am looking for something rated from 50-100 gallons

corsair75 · 05-26-2012, 09:17 AM

I may be in the minority with this post, but it's an honest opinion. I really like the Marineland canisters, both C-series and Magnum. I have used them quite a bit in the past and had very positive experiences. Like the Rena, they have trays inside you can fill with whatever you like. There are nice detail features like gaskets between those trays to prevent bypass. There is, however, a certain number of them that develop motor trouble. I have never had this happen, so I can't speak to it. The C-series (according to Marineland) are tested for gph at 4' of head with the stock media in place. I don't think anybody else uses that standard.

A dark horse is the Magnum canister. I will say flat out that is my favorite canister, limited as it is. The main housing has no provision for bio-filtration, and the setups that include it use bio-wheels. Avoid those for CO2 tanks as they splash on the return just like a HOB filter. My experience has been that bio-filtration is not so important as it's made out to be when you have enough plants and enough water circulation. You can stuff the Magnum's housing with polyfil, and being clear its easy to check how its doing. The carbon cage will hold a HUGE amount of media, and force alot of water through it. It's big enough to hold about a pound of carbon (or whatever) at a time. Service is nice because it has an off switch (!!!!) and the motor base stays under the tank and plugged in when you take the housing over to the sink.

My current tanks are all unfiltered, but I would very much like to setup a tank with a soil base, dense plants, and a Magnum 350 as sole filter. I have had enough luck with non-biofiltered tanks at this point to consider it a bit of a crutch. You can support a very large bio load without it provided you have dense plantings and good 8x-12x circulation.

wwh2694 · 05-26-2012, 01:14 PM

I have used different kinds of filter and the best one so far in easy to clean is the ADA superjet, pricey but worth it.

jsadlersos · 05-27-2012, 06:05 AM

I run an eheim, and its a beast! I actually used to use the rena xp canisters. Never had an issue with them except for the occasional priming issue. The only thing I didn't like about them is that the media upkeep can be quite pricey. My ehiem costs me about 18 dollars every four months with no issues. I buy a box with 4 fine pads (change one out each month), and one course blue filter pad (change this out every four months). My tank stays crystal. Also room for more fine filter batting and for chemical media. They are a little more expensive at first but I believe they are worth it in the long run. I've been running this filter for over a year now.... I will never go back (unless it breaks! ha!).

hsteve · 05-27-2012, 10:02 AM

I've run EHEIMs on both SW and FW, there is no comparison to most of the canisters out there. I'm in the middle of a new set-up, went w/ EHEIM 2215 on a 46g bowfront...

Not only do the new-purchased E's come with quick-diconnects, all the filter media you could ask for,
Tough, easy to maintain, and basically silent, for the most part.

Occasionally you'll heart a "burp", due to air in the lines, but you'll get used to it...

PS!- If you go w/ EHEIM, Their surface skimmer attachment is the best bar none...

B76 · 05-27-2012, 05:27 PM

Surface skimmer attachment?

B76 · 05-27-2012, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsadlersos

I run an eheim, and its a beast! I actually used to use the rena xp canisters. Never had an issue with them except for the occasional priming issue. The only thing I didn't like about them is that the media upkeep can be quite pricey. My ehiem costs me about 18 dollars every four months with no issues. I buy a box with 4 fine pads (change one out each month), and one course blue filter pad (change this out every four months). My tank stays crystal. Also room for more fine filter batting and for chemical media. They are a little more expensive at first but I believe they are worth it in the long run. I've been running this filter for over a year now.... I will never go back (unless it breaks! ha!).

Ya xp are a pain in the arse to prime hahaha

jsadlersos · 05-27-2012, 06:01 PM

I didn't know ehiem had a skimmer attachment. I will find and buy this.... I must have it.

B76 · 05-27-2012, 06:24 PM

What's that do. Skimmer for fresh or salt?

jsadlersos · 05-30-2012, 05:06 PM

Its a tube that sits at the top of the water and drains into the intake. It has little tines all around the tube that skims the surface film off the top of the water. An over flow box for a sump filter works on the same principal. Fresh or salt...... protein skimmers only work on saltwater.